SCOPE
I have examined the list of 5 fun things to do in Atlanta as of March 12, 2024.
In forming my opinion on the list of 5 fun things to do in Atlanta, I relied upon data prepared by Google, Reddit and my own personal experiences. I evaluated the data for reasonableness and consistency. In other respects, my list included such review of different life stages folks might be in, proximity to the CAS Spring Meeting site, traffic in Atlanta and more directly the amount of time available in my schedule to write this very strange opinion-themed list.
OPINION
In my opinion, the 5 fun things to do in Atlanta listed in Exhibit A on account of the items identified:
- Are consistent with fun for actuaries and their families computed in accordance with accepted fun standards; and,
- Make a reasonable provision for all obligations of CAS members to entertain their family and friends under the terms of their familial and friend relationships and contracts.
List of 5 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta (+ Accompanying Food Recommendation)
The King Center + Krog Street Market
I’m ashamed to admit that even after living in Atlanta for over 20 years, it wasn’t until recently that I visited the King Center. Here you’ll learn all about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and work in civil rights. If you’re early enough, you’ll be able to get a tour of Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King was baptized as a child, became co-pastor with his father in 1960 and where his funeral was held in 1968. The entire experience is awe-inspiring and very moving, as you get a real sense of the struggle that Dr. King and those in that time period endured in fighting injustice.
Krog Street Market is a food hall that has a wide variety of great food and shopping options. It’s about a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute drive from the King Center.
Zoo Atlanta/Georgia Aquarium + Ponce City Market
If you want wildlife, the two main options are Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. I list both because I didn’t want to add a sixth option to this list and because they’re completely different venues. The Zoo is mostly outdoors, offering visitors open space and air, and features a lot of opportunities for direct hands-on interaction. For example, there’s a petting zoo, giraffe feeding times, and splash pads and rope courses to boot. On the other hand, the Aquarium is the largest in the U.S. and fourth largest in the world, home to many different types of species and animals. There are also great shows that you can enjoy (sit in the front to get wet!).
Okay, I cheated even more. Even though Ponce City Market is a great option for consumables via their food hall, there is also a carnival on the rooftop, along with mini-golf and other fun attractions.
Buford Highway + Tea Top
Buford Highway, or BuHi for those too lazy to type the remaining letters, is one of the main thoroughfares of Atlanta, stretching from Buckhead all the way well outside I-285, known as the “Perimeter.” It is home to a thousand immigrant-owned businesses, more than 100 of which are restaurants covering 20+ nations. Indulge in a progressive meal over many different spots and be rolled home full and content.
Make sure you check out one of the latest food trends, “bubble” tea, a combination of your choice of tea and milk (or a dairy substitute), with your choice of topping. My favorite spot in Atlanta for bubble tea would be Tea Top in the Doraville H-Mart shopping center. Earl Gray milk tea, 30% sugar, no ice, and pudding topping is the way to go.
Truist Park + The Battery
While Atlanta isn’t known for success in many sports (no comments from my New Englander friends), the Atlanta Braves are the standout for decades of success and a wonderful history. The Braves stadium moved from its original location to Truist Park in 2017 and is one of the better stadiums in the country. While you’re in town, the Braves will be hosting a double header against the Boston Red Sox on May 7th and 8th.
No mention of the Braves is complete without including Hank Aaron. Visit the wall where Hammerin’ Hank broke the then career home run record on April 8, 1974, which still stands today.
The Battery is an assortment of dining and entertainment options around the same spot as Truist Park.
Porsche Experience Center Atlanta (PECATL) + Restaurant 356
Last but not least, Porsche has built Experience Centers across the world, allowing fans and interested parties to race actual Porsches. Enjoy simulated racing, walk through exhibits and museums and enjoy fine dining all in one location. Outside of the US, Porsche has one Experience Center per country and the US has two – one in LA and the other in Atlanta. Davies Actuarial had our holiday party there and it was a blast. If you aren’t up for forking over hundreds of dollars to spend time on the track, the relatively more affordable option is to do 30-minute simulated racing with your friends for $50, or 60 minutes for $80.
There are two food options at PECATL, with the more formal restaurant being Restaurant 356, but there is also a café. I recommend 356 as it provides a wonderful floor-to-ceiling, expansive views of the race tracks, as well as access to a covered deck where you can see various drives and trainings going on just beneath you.
On behalf of the CAS as well as all my friends and colleagues in Atlanta, I welcome and hope you all enjoy your visit. You can find more information about CAS Spring Meeting and register at spring.casact.org.
